Glass jar filled with solid coconut oil and a small wooden scoop, sitting on a rustic wooden surface — a key ingredient in homemade non-toxic deodorant.

DIY Non-Toxic Deodorant

Posted on By Simplysustainablemama

Why make your own deodorant?

Deodorant is an important hygiene staple in many people’s lives. But have you ever considered what is in the products you are using? The sweat that we produce from our armpits does not actually have an odor. When it reacts with the bacteria that is naturally present on our skin, then it creates a foul odor. (Cool huh?) Most deodorant brands today work by reacting to the electrolytes in our sweat to produce a gel that coats our sweat glands to prevent the sweating from occurring in the first place but unfortunately these brands often come with some harsh chemicals and toxic ingredients that are harmful to our bodies. Luckily, you can make your own DIY Non-Toxic Deodorant with just 3 ingredients at home!

Some of the most common ingredients in store bought deodorant include, but are not limited to, Triclosan, Parabens, Aluminum Salts, and Propylene Glycol. 

Aluminum has been linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Kidney Disease, and Certain Cancers with Breast Cancer being the most common. 

Parabens are a known hormone disrupter that can cause problems such as early puberty in children and increases the chances of developing hormonal cancers such as breast cancer. 

Propylene glycol has been found to cause central nervous system, liver, and heart disorders. Unfortunately, this ingredient is also found in many processed foods and other personal hygiene products. 

Triclosan is a pesticide (Yes, you read that right. A PESTICIDE, yuck!) Though there are no studies to prove it, it is believed that Triclosan is a carcinogen. 

So now that you understand how store bought deodorant works and some background on the ingredients found in them, let’s move on to common questions I get asked about this DIY non-toxic deodorant. 

Glass mason jar full of organic coconut oil

Is DIY Non-Toxic Deodorant Effective at Controlling Odor?

     This is one of the biggest questions I get asked when it comes to natural deodorant. Yes, natural deodorant can absolutely be an effective method for controlling body odor. Arrowroot powder and baking soda work together to absorb moisture and neutralize odor causing bacteria. Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties thus also helping to neutralize this odor causing bacteria and it also helps to moisturize the skin. Essential oils are not necessary but do add a pleasant scent and depending on what fragrances you use may also have antibacterial or antifungal properties. Citruses essential oils are best for this. 

Is DIY Non-Toxic Deodorant Safe for All Skin Types?

     This recipe is made with non toxic natural ingredients making it generally safe for most skin types. However, some individuals may experience sensitivities to some ingredients. Baking soda specifically, can cause irritation in some people. It is best to patch test any new product on a small area of skin before using regularly to determine how your body will react. If irritation occurs, consider adjusting the recipe or consulting with a healthcare provider.

How do I store my DIY Non-Toxic Deodorant?

     This recipe is best stored in a room temperature or cool (not cold), dry place to maintain its consistency and shelf life. You can place in a refrigerator but I recommend keeping at room temperature as it will harden and be difficult to apply if refrigerated. I prefer to store mine in a small glass jar with a wide mouth. Or if you prefer a stick deodorant for easy application, you may choose to add a couple tablespoons of cosmetic grade beeswax to your mixture by using a double boiler method and then pouring into an old deodorant container. 

How long does DIY Non-Toxic Deodorant last?

     The shelf life of DIY non-toxic deodorant can vary depending on storage conditions but generally it should last between 3-6 months. For a general rule of thumb, if it develops an odd smell or changes it’s consistency, this may be a sign that it is time to make a new batch. 

How to make your own 3 ingredient all natural non-toxic deodorant

Before you prepare this recipe, you will want to ensure that you have a shallow wide-mouth jar to put it in. This will be a thick paste and you want to be able to remove it from your container easily. Personally, I scoop a little bit out with my hand and rub it in to apply it. However, some may prefer to use a spatula or applicator like this one. (https://amzn.to/3YX6n95)

Ingredients: 

Now, I know I said this was a three-ingredient recipe but that is because the fourth ingredient is entirely optional 

  1.  Take equal parts baking soda and equal parts Arrow root powder/Cornstarch and combine them in a small bowl. I use about 1/2 C. Each.
  2. Take about 5 TBSP of softened Coconut oil. 
  3. Combine your dry ingredients with your oil, mix until a paste forms. 
  4. If you choose to add essential oils, I recommend citruses such as grapefruit or sweet orange. They smell wonderful and are anti-bacterial, which as we talked about above is important when controlling body odor. I add about 15-20 drops but you can add however much your heart desires. I do not recommend lavender essential oil, though it is an anti-bacterial, it is also a hormone disrupter. 
*Important Note: As mentioned above, baking soda can cause sensitivity in some people. When I first started out making this recipe, I found that it irritated my skin and caused it to turn red and itchy. 
If you have sensitive skin, I recommend cutting the amount of baking soda you are using in half. I also recommend applying in the morning and at night before bed for optimal results. 

I hope you try this recipe and it works for you, I have been using it for a little over a year now and absolutely love it. I will never use store-bought deodorant again. 

Magnesium for Body Odor

     I am a huge fan of magnesium. If you don’t know already, magnesium is a mineral that plays a huge role in maintaining our overall health. One benefit of magnesium is it’s ability to reduce body odor. Not only does it help with body odor but also muscle aches, anxiety, depression, aids in sleep, and other things. My favorite way to use magnesium is in a spray form. You can spray it directly onto your armpits in addition to your deodorant or use magnesium spray as a deodorant all by itself. I also like to spray on the backs of my arms, neck, and bottom of my feet. The majority of individuals living in the U.S. are magnesium deficient. If this is you, you may experience a tingling or burning sensation the first few times you use a topical magnesium. This is normal and is caused as a result of the body rapidly absorbing the mineral into your skin due to magnesium deficiency. If this sensation bothers you, start by applying to the bottoms of the feet as the skin on the bottom of  your feet is less sensitive. All in all, I highly recommend that you incorporate a magnesium spray into your regimen. If you are interested in trying a topical magnesium spray, you can purchase it here.

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